Igneous Petrology

Petrology

The study of the origin, occurrence, composition, and classification of rocks, including the history and geologic processes related to rocks.

Rock

An aggregate of minerals and/or mineraloids.

Petrogenesis

Deals with the generation and origin of rocks.

Igneous

Known as "primary rocks" that originated from solidified magma or lava.

Sedimentary

Known as "secondary rocks" which formed as a result of lithified fragments of pre existing rocks.

Metamorphic

Rocks that formed as a result of pre existing rocks undergoing metamorphism due to being subjected to heat, pressure, and fluids.

Monomineralic rock

A Rock that consists of multiple crystals of a single mineral.

Polymineralic rock

A rock that consists of multiple types of minerals and/or mineraloids.

Igneous Petrology

The sub branch of Petrology that primarily focuses on processes and rocks that are formed from magma and lava.

Rock Cycle

A model showing the origins, relationships and processes between rock types and other geologic materials